Felix Boudreau's Last Will and Testament

These days we are all urged to keep a last will and testament.  This is nothing new though as you can see by the fact that my 3rd Great Grandfather, Felix Boudreau (b. 1804/d. 1883), wrote his while on his death bed.  This document is full of helpful information.  I learned from this document that he had land to give away, he must have been educated enough that he knew to write a will and he had at least 5 sons. By the opening of his will he indicates he was a God fearing man, a Catholic and his wishes for burial.  Here is the interesting text of his will:

In the name of God, I, Felix Boudreau of Tusket Wedge, Parish of St. Michel, Municipality of Argyle, County of Yarmouth, and Province of Nova Scotia, being through the abundant mercy, Goodnes of God, Though weak in body, yet of a sound and perfect understanding and memory do constitute this my last will and testament - and desire it to be received by all as such. In blank I most humbly with bequeath my soul to God my maker, the beseeching his most gracious acceptance of it through the all sufficient merits and mediation of my most compassionate Redeemer Jesus Christ, who gave himself to be an atonement for my sins, and who is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God. I give my body to the earth from where it was taken in full assurance of its resurrection thence at the last day Amen. I want my body decently and christianly buried with all the ceremonies of our Holy Mother the Roman Catholic Church.

(1) as to my worldly estate I give and bequeath to my beloved son Charles O. Boudreau all the property now in my possession adjacent lands of Charles M. Boudreau and Arnant Surette situated on the eastern side of Tusket Wedge Point so called.

(2) I give and bequeath to my son John M. Boudreau that part of the homestead lot situated on the eastern side of Main Road (running north and south through Tusket Wedge) as far easterly as the first fence, together with all the buildings and appurtenances there unto belonging. Also the third part of estate mentioned in clause three hereof.

(3) The balance of my estate I wish to be equally divided amongst my three sons, John M. Boudreau, Leande Boudreau and Felix A. Boudreau on condition of giving a hand of maintenance to my wife Genevieve for the balance of her natural life. Should they the said John M. Boudreau, Leande Boudreau and Felix A. Boudreau fail to comply with the condition herein expressed then said balance of my estate I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Genevieve for her own use and behoof forever. I nominate and appoint Remi Doucette and John M. Surrette to be executors of this my last will and testament.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand on this 11th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three.

The above testament having
been read and explained                                        his
to said Felix Boudreau                                  Felix X Boudreau
his signature there unto was                                mark
witnessed by
     Daniel T. Reid
     Jabin Boudreau

I certify the above and before written paper writing to be an exact and literal copy of the original will of Felix Boudreau of Tusket Wedge in the County of Yarmouth whose name is placed thereto as the maker thereof, and I further certify that the said Will was duly admitted to Probate filed and registered in the said Court of Probate in common form at Yarmouth aforesaid on the day of the date hereof. Given at Yarmouth aforesaid this 12th day of March 1888.  

I'm sure one of my aunts or cousins shared this with me a while back (apologies that I can't remember who) and I would like to thank you!

Page 1 of Felix's Will

Page 2 0f Felix's Will